Resolution C051 was passed, recognizing for the first time that "local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions."

Gene Robinson was confirmed by General Convention and consecrated Bishop Coadjutor in the Diocese of New Hampshire: the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion.

In the media frenzy that followed we had the amazing opportunity to talk about the Good News of a church that celebrates diversity on everything from the O'Reilly Factor to the Today Show: an unprecedented opportunity for evangelism. 

There is much reason to rejoice - and much hard work left to do. Perhaps the greatest indicator of how much we have achieved is how mobilized our opposition has become: they are well financed, well organized and well focused. Never has CLAIMING THE BLESSING's organized, recognized progressive collaborative voice been more important. 

What CLAIMING THE BLESSING offers is an alternative to those presuming to speak for Christian values - an alternative desperately needed as the Religious Right responds not only to General Convention 2003 but to the recent decisions by the civil courts in Texas and Massachusetts and to President Bush's call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage . As we celebrate being one step closer to truly respecting the dignity of every human being in this beloved church of ours -- as we rejoice at being one step closer to liberty and justice for "all" in this great country of ours - let us resolve not to make these "two steps forward, one step back" but to continue to press forward. 

We have the vision and the will to offer an alternative voice to counter the exclusivist rhetoric of the religious right. That's the blessing we're claiming. That's the Good News we're proclaiming.

Won't you join us?